SBGPR 3/25/06 9:35 AM Page vi HOW TO USE THIS BOOK As the dental profession evolves, there is an increasing demand for supplementary material that can keep up with advancing trends. Hands on practical experience is essential for anyone in the dental profession, and this needs to be supplemented with written information to reinforce our practical experiences. This illustrated manual has been prepared for students working and studying in the dental profession. It may be used as a study aid or kept in the dental surgery as a reference guide. This manual is intended to complement other methods of learning, i.e. textbooks, lecture notes etc., and is not meant to be a comprehensive resource. The 100 items used in the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses in the United Kingdom are included in this book, and the current (at time of publishing) spotter items list is included in the Appendix. Because many dental instruments look similar, and can be confusing to a student, the false friends sub-sections identify instruments that may resemble the particular instrument. This manual is not intended to be a complete representation of all dental instruments, but it does include examples from each dental discipline. As many dental instruments are multi-functional and are referred to by more than one name, where possible, these are given beside the name of the instrument. Complete set-ups have been included at the end of most sections for various procedures. The dental professional may have to modify these lists, depending on operator preference. Each section is dedicated to a specific discipline or division of dentistry. Some instruments feature in many sections, and these have been included in the set-up subsections of the relevant sections. Infection control is a fundamental requirement in the dental surgery, and as such the first section is dedicated to this area. This section aims to introduce the principles of health and safety, which must always be at the forefront of a dental professional s mind. Contact the legislative bodies for appropriate regulations and legislation relevant to your workplace. The instruments in this guide are not to scale, and during photography some colours may have been altered.
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 31 SECTION 3 There are a few basic instruments that are universal to almost every procedure in dentistry.
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 32 32 Basic Guide to Dental Instruments Hand Instruments Working ends Shanks Handles Shank Working end Figure 3.1 Figure 3.2
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 33 Basic Instruments 33 GENERAL FEATURES OF DENTAL INSTRUMENTS FIGURE 3.1 Working end(s) of instruments Are the functional parts of the instrument Can have a variety of functions including: cutting, packing, carving, placing and condensing Are adapted to the function of the particular instrument May be bevelled (i.e. the working end is cut at an angle) An instrument can be single-ended (one working end) or double-ended (two working ends) Shank of an instrument The part between the working end and the handle Can be straight or angled The function of the instrument determines the angle and flexibility of the shank Handle of an instrument Is the part of the instrument that the operator grasps Provides stability and leverage Design is related to the function of the instrument Examples: The handle of an upper extraction forceps may be curved to facilitate a palm grasp for the operator The handle of a rubber dam clamp forceps is rounded to fit in the palm of the operator s hand A serrated handle allows a better grip A large handle allows a palm grasp THE BASIC DENTAL INSTRUMENTS FIGURE 3.2 Mouth mirror and handle Functions To provide indirect vision To reflect light For retraction and protection of oral tissues For magnification (the number of the mirror represents size of mirror head) Single-sided or double-sided Can be disposable Plain or magnifying
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 34 34 Basic Guide to Dental Instruments (a) (b) Figure 3.3 Figure 3.4
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 35 Basic Instruments 35 FIGURE 3.3 a, b (a) Sickle/contra-angled probe (b) Nabers probe Functions Detection of: defective pits and fissures calculus deficient margins of restorations, crowns and bridges caries Examination (pointed tip allows good tactile sensitivity) Can be single-ended or double-ended Many different styles available Working ends may vary (straight, curved) False friends Periodontal probe, endodontic probe (DG16 probe), lateral condenser FIGURE 3.4 Periodontal probe Function and features Measure the depth of periodontal pockets Tip is calibrated in millimetres Blunt end reduces the possibility of tissue trauma Single-ended or double-ended Can be straight, curved or at right angles Plastic types available False friends Sickle/contra-angled probe/sickle probe, endodontic probe/dg16 probe and endodontic spreader
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 36 36 Basic Guide to Dental Instruments Figure 3.5 (a) (b) Figure 3.6 Figure 3.7
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 37 Basic Instruments 37 FIGURE 3.5 Briault probe Function and feature Detection of caries on mesial and distal surfaces The angled working ends facilitate adaptation to interproximal surfaces False friend Furcation probe FIGURE 3.6 a, b (a) College tweezers (b) Locking college tweezers Functions Placing small objects in the mouth and retrieving small objects from the mouth Locking type lock to prevent dropping materials Locking and non-locking types Working ends can be straight, curved, serrated or smooth False friends Tissue dissecting forceps, toothed dissecting forceps FIGURE 3.7 Metal ruler Function Measurement of length, e.g. endodontic K files Can be calibrated in different units of measure Plastic type available
SBG03 3/25/06 9:51 AM Page 38 38 Basic Guide to Dental Instruments Set-up Examination Mouth mirror and handle Sickle/contra-angled probe College tweezers Optional: Briault probe, metal ruler and periodontal probe